CVE-2012-3153 in Fusion Middleware
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Oracle Reports Developer component in Oracle Fusion Middleware 11.1.1.4, 11.1.1.6, and 11.1.2.0 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality and integrity via unknown vectors related to Servlet. NOTE: the previous information is from the October 2012 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from the original researcher that the PARSEQUERY function allows remote attackers to obtain database credentials via reports/rwservlet/parsequery, and that this issue occurs in earlier versions. NOTE: this can be leveraged with CVE-2012-3152 to execute arbitrary code by uploading a .jsp file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3153 resides within Oracle Reports Developer component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, specifically affecting versions 11.1.1.4, 11.1.1.6, and 11.1.2.0. This unspecified weakness operates within the servlet framework of the Oracle Fusion Middleware environment, creating a security exposure that impacts both confidentiality and integrity of affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical details were not fully disclosed in the initial advisory, though subsequent research has provided more concrete information about its exploitation mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests through the PARSEQUERY function within the reports/rwservlet/parsequery endpoint, which serves as a critical attack vector for remote adversaries. This function appears to improperly handle user input, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that can extract database credentials from the underlying Oracle database. The vulnerability operates at the servlet level, leveraging the Java-based web application framework that Oracle Fusion Middleware employs for its reporting capabilities. The PARSEQUERY function's design flaw creates an opportunity for credential leakage that directly compromises the confidentiality of database access information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations utilizing Oracle Fusion Middleware, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to database credentials that can be used for further exploitation. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft since the vulnerability can be chained with CVE-2012-3152 to achieve arbitrary code execution capabilities. This chaining of vulnerabilities demonstrates how seemingly isolated weaknesses can create cascading security problems that allow attackers to move laterally within networks and escalate privileges. The ability to upload .jsp files through this attack vector provides persistent access mechanisms that can be used for ongoing compromise of affected systems.
The exploitation of CVE-2012-3153 aligns with several attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and execution. The vulnerability's servlet-based nature makes it susceptible to web application attacks, while the credential extraction capability maps to credential harvesting techniques. Organizations may find that this vulnerability fits within the credential access tactics category, where attackers seek to obtain valid credentials for system access. The potential for arbitrary code execution through the chaining with CVE-2012-3152 places this vulnerability in the execution category of ATT&CK, allowing attackers to establish persistent access and control over compromised systems.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape that includes web application attacks and database compromise scenarios. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of Oracle Fusion Middleware indicates a widespread exposure that requires immediate attention from system administrators. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to the affected servlet endpoints while applying appropriate patches and updates. The vulnerability's potential for credential theft and code execution makes it particularly dangerous, as it can enable attackers to establish backdoors and maintain persistent access to enterprise networks. Additionally, monitoring for unusual access patterns and credential usage in database systems can help detect exploitation attempts before they result in significant damage.
The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential regulatory and compliance implications, as credential theft can lead to data breaches that violate various data protection standards. Organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the scope of potential exposure and implement appropriate mitigations including network firewalls, web application firewalls, and comprehensive monitoring solutions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors seeking to compromise multiple systems within an organization. Proper patch management and vulnerability remediation processes become critical in addressing this issue effectively.
Industry standards such as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-79 (Cross-Site Scripting) are relevant to understanding the vulnerability's root causes, as improper handling of user input in the servlet component creates conditions that allow for credential exposure. The vulnerability's exploitation path demonstrates how weaknesses in web application frameworks can lead to significant security consequences, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities that enable additional attack vectors. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive security controls that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture improvements to prevent similar issues from occurring in their environments.